This book racks up a huge 735 pages but tells the story of just one single day – and readers have called it a “masterpiece”. Often hailed as one of the best novels of the 20th century, you won’t want to miss out on this fascinating piece of literature.
Ulysses is a famous novel by James Joyce that takes place over just one day on June 16, 1904, in Dublin. It follows Leopold Bloom, an ordinary man going about his daily life. But what makes this book really stand out is how Joyce tells the story.
Instead of a straightforward plot, the book dives deep into characters’ thoughts, feelings, and little everyday moments, using a style called stream-of-consciousness. This means readers are essentially inside Leopold’s head and following his every thought.
The book is loosely inspired by an ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey, but it’s all about modern life.
Joyce’s novel has been named as the greatest book of all time by The Greatest Books and it’s unsurprising to find the iconic book at the top of the list.
One reader on GoodReads said: “Often considered one of the ‘greatest novel of the 20th century’, James Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses, is both a feat and feast of sheer literary brilliance.”
Another penned: “I don’t feel really worthy to review this book. It’s Ulysses. It’s one of the greatest modern novels in the English language.
“It’s a love letter to it and a history of it and has a sick, twisted relationship with its readers and has actually driven people to a lifetime of studying just a few chapters of it.
“I know I missed a thousand things in every ten pages I read, and if I went back again, I’d see things completely differently.”
If you’re looking for a fascinating read, look no further than this timeless novel.